Songs
Lyrics, Lead Sheets and Recordings
First Inklings
I've been a songwriter a lot longer than I've been a record producer. The first evidence I have is this scrap of music paper that I've held onto. I sang it to my dad who wrote out the musical notation. The lyrics in their childish scrawl are mine. I was 8 years old. It was a sort of anthem for my Cub Scout den. Still at it.
Recorded Examples
Some are polished, released recordings. Some are polished, unreleased recordings, some are rough-as-a-cob demos. You can tell the difference.
Why Lead Sheets?
You could chalk this up to my imagination. While in Texas rehearsing for a taping of Austin City Limits, I heard someone playing the very intricate piano accompaniment for a song of mine that was on my first album (“Rain Song”). And it was being played — on a guitar! I was thrilled. Someone was interested enough in a song of mine to actually learn to play it himself (It was Champ Hood from “Uncle Walt’s Band”).
So, since I do think some of my songs are pretty good, I can easily slip into visualizing anyone else out there in cyberspace trying to learn one of them. And that possibility thrills me too. And, to make it easier for you, I’m supplying written music. Some of it is pretty complete and professional looking. Some of it is just me having scratched out some chord names. But here they are.
I’d love it if you try some of these out. Please let me know. Thanks!
Lyrics
Most of the words are mine but a few were the result of collaborations and noted as such. If you notice discrepancies between the lyrics and the lead sheets or recordings, trust the lyrics.